Another added: "I knew it!! I knew @PaulHollywood would break the pack and follow the money. Such a shame. Loss of respect."

Someone else said: "Sorry Paul, but I think it's an sad decision. Regardless of what you say, everyone will now think you sold your soul."

Another viewer was adamant the Bake Off will fail now that Mary, Mel and Sue have quit, saying: "Lets face it the structure of the show is very simple the winning element was the team and without them there is no show."

Paul announced the news in a statement earlier today.

Mel and Sue quit the show [BBC]

He said: "Since I was a kid, baking has been a part of my life.

"The 7 series inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped make my first loaf.

"The Great British Bake Off has brought baking back to the nation and we've seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other.

"It's been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn't turn my back on all that - the bakers themselves, the team that makes it, and of course, the tent, the bunting and who could forget... the squirrels.

Nadiya Hussain could be presenting the Great British Bake Off [BBC]

"So I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4.

"I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding."